Despite advances in compression and other technologies, which favor more of a hybrid fiber/copper strategy, eventually the end game for service providers in the access network will be an FTTP configuration. The question is: how do network operators migrate quickly and economically toward this future, leveraging existing infrastructure and ensuring acceptable ROI?

This session examines the FTTP technology alternatives and migration options for carriers that seek to remain competitive in the broadband services space in coming years. Network operators must have an FTTP migration strategy that is in some phase of implementation, regardless of their current activities with ADSL2+ or VDSL. The trick is to use advances in copper-based enabling technologies to leverage and extend the existing network while positioning for a fiber-centric future. This discussion will bring attendees up to date on the latest developments and strategies options for transitioning to an FTTx future.

Michael Howard Principal Analyst and Co-Founder Infonetics Research

With over 35 years of network industry experience, Mr. Howard is recognized worldwide as one of the industry's leading experts in emerging markets, service provider network market trends, and user buying patterns. He started out working on operating systems and programming language compilers for Arpanet, which later became the Internet, and then created network accounting at Tymshare/Tymnet in the 1970s. Mr. Howard founded Infonetics Research in 1990, and today he focuses on optical technologies from the service provider edge to the core, metro Ethernet, and access networks.

Danny Berko Director, Solutions Marketing, Broadband Access ECI Telecom

Mr. Berko is responsible for ECI's broadband solutions architectures and transport services, including networking, services-enabling solutions, and buildup of a service-rich ecosystem to support IPTV, NG-Voice, and the mobile and home environment. He has more than 10 years of extensive and varied experience in the telecommunications and networking industries. In prior positions, Mr. Berko has served as sales and marketing engineer, product line manager, and director of marketing.

Marco Burzio Head of Wireline Access Infrastructure Innovation Telecom Italia

Mr. Burzio is responsible for providing innovative solutions for the Telecom Italia fixed-access network. His focus is on architectural, technological, and infrastructural issues, covering all the relevant aspects for the exploitation of copper-based and fiber-based technologies and systems. Mr. Burzio joined Telecom Italia in 2001 with responsibility for CPE and related remote management systems in both residential and business applications.

Peleg Erlich Senior Product Line Manager Broadlight

Mr. Erlich is currently responsible for the GPON line products, working closely with major equipment vendors and service providers. He has more than 12 years experience in the telecommunications industry and semiconductor. Prior to joining BroadLight, Mr. Erlich was a product manger in Axerra Networks. Before that he held several senior R&D positions in Alvarion and Orckit communications. Mr. Erlich holds an M.B.A. from Herriot-Watt University and a B.Sc. in electronic engineering from RMIT University.

Gustavo Furtado Head of Broadband Access Solution Sales Management, Latin America Nokia Siemens Networks

Mr. Furtado has more than seven years of experience in the telecommunications market, having closely worked with major operators and service providers, helping them design their next-generation access networks. Prior to joining Nokia Siemens Networks, he held various technical sales and product management positions at Siemens both at its headquarters and in the Latin American region. Mr. Furtado holds a bachelor in electrical engineering from the University of São Paulo.